The WA Government has pledged to deliver 50-megawatt vanadium battery in Kalgoorlie in the lead up to the next state election.
The battery will deliver 10 hours of back-up electricity storage, providing another layer of security for the Goldfields’ energy system, while strengthening the state’s energy infrastructure.
Up to 150 jobs are expected to be created should the project come to fruition, with the battery opening up the door for more battery technologies in WA’s energy system.
News of the prospective project was welcomed by the Association of Mining and Exploration Companies (AMEC), which has worked with the WA Government and its vanadium members over the past three years to find ways to bolster the emerging market.
AMEC director – Western Australia, Northern Territory and Commonwealth policy Neil van Drunen said that with more than 85 per cent of the world’s vanadium supply coming from Russia, China, South Africa and Brazil, it’s crucial for the WA Government, companies, stakeholders and investors, to continue supporting the emerging sector and strengthen the state’s supply chains.
“The science shows that vanadium flow batteries provide long duration energy storage. Adding these to our energy grid can only help appease our ongoing thirst for energy,” van Drunen said.
“The role of critical minerals like vanadium will continue to play a vital role in the energy transition.”
WA is home to one of the largest vanadium deposits in the world, the Australian Vanadium project, which being driven by Australian Vanadium Limited (AVL).
The Australian Vanadium project was recently awarded major project status by the WA Government, which aims to position AVL to access clearer assessment pathways and provide high-quality, fit-for-purpose, timely support for proponents and investors.
It has been described as a “single entry point” for government approvals, and involves ongoing project support and coordination, including help navigating regulatory approvals.
The Australian Vanadium project includes an open-cut vanadium mine and concentrator at Gabanintha, near Meekatharra, where AVL will produce a high-grade vanadium concentrate.
The project is expected to come online by 2027.
